Marika Hackman – Brighton Folk

Currently based in Brighton, Marika Hackman’s folky(ish) songs have been attracting a lot of interest recently. While still only 19, her ability as a song-writer far exceeds her tender age. She reminds me of a post-millennium Nico.

Her EP ‘Here I Lie’ will be out in June.

How long have you been playing guitar and writing songs?
I began teaching myself the guitar when I was about twelve, but I had been writing songs on the piano from a much earlier age.

Who are your musical influences?
My parents brought me up on artists such as Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan, Led Zeppelin and Simon & Garfunkel, but more recently I have been influenced by bands like The Shins, Electrelane and Cat Power.

How would you define your music?
Currently I am struggling to place my music into a genre. There are elements of folk running through my songs, but my recent music pulls away from the traditional folk style.

What songs are on the EP?
Neat socks, Bath is Black, You Come Down and Here I Lie.

When you play live do you have any additional musicians on stage?
Yes, I play with a cellist, and sometimes i am accompanied by backing vocals and percussion. It usually depends on where everyone is in the country and what our uni schedules allow.

Where is the best Venue in Brighton to see new music?
I would find it very hard to name just one. there are so so many great venues in Brighton and the music scene is huge. Pretty much all pubs offer live music at least one night a week as well as bigger venues such as the Brighton Dome. There is a great little place called the Green Door Store underneath Brighton Station, its got a really good atmosphere and is quite an intimate venue – they’re are always showcasing up and coming artists.

Who is on your stereo at the moment? Laura Veirs is constantly being played, especially her latest album July Flame, I don’t think it will ever get old. Warpaint is another of my favourites, and I always feel that Fleet Foxes is very appropriate for this time of year.

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